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Deebo Samuel in a Commanders jersey. Didn’t see that one coming, did you? “I started watching Jayden because of Aiyuk, that’s like his best friend. We used to chill, watch LSU games, and I knew he was going to be a stud. I’ve got some connections already with the coaching staff. Definitely ready to work with Terry for sure, because we came in the league at the same time,” Deebo wrote in his Players’ Tribune farewell note.

Basically, Washington pulled off a low-risk, high-reward move, sending a mere fifth-round pick to the 49ers for one of the league’s most electric playmakers. And Samuel? He wanted this. And we get it… Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and then the coaching staff, it’s giving ‘run it back’ vibes.

But this move’s got the franchise excited as well… The team’s social media crew went all in—a GIF of Deebo from Friday. If you’ve seen the movie, you already know what we’re talking about. On Friday, Deebo (played by the late Tommy Lister Jr.) is the ultimate bully, rolling up on his bike and taking whatever he wants. Now, Washington is banking on their own Deebo bringing that same ‘bully’ on-the-run energy.

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Minus the bike, of course, snatching ankles and stacking yards in the burgundy and gold.

But hold on… The reference was just a mere teaser. Washington literally put their money where their mouth is. They restructured Samuel’s deal to guarantee him $17 million, with $3 million more in incentives—essentially a one-year, $20 million audition. No long-term commitment, no safety net.

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported: “A reworked deal for Deebo in DC: the Commanders are guaranteeing $17 million of Deebo Samuel’s previously non-guaranteed salary for this season, along with adding another $3 million worth of incentives, per sources. Samuel now will play this season on a one-year deal worth up to $20 million, including $17 million guaranteed. Samuel’s agent Tory Dandy and Commanders GM Adam Peters negotiated the deal.”

If he thrives? A new deal could be in the works. If not? Washington walks away clean in 2026. So, the message is clear: PROVE IT! And with the way Samuel plays—fierce, physical, and with a chip on his shoulder—you already know he’s coming for every last yard.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Deebo Samuel the missing piece for the Commanders, or just an expensive gamble for 2025?

Have an interesting take?

Sure, the 2024 season was NOT it. Just 51 catches over  670 yards, and three touchdowns through the air. Plus, another 136 yards and a score on the ground. So, that’s not bad. But for a guy who once carried the 49ers’ offense on his back, those numbers don’t scream WR1.

However, you cannot rule out a cooking session on the gridiron, especially with Daniels’ sophomore season on the line. Not convinced? The Commanders are all in as they believe that JD could be the one to unlock the old Deebo.

But that’s not just us giving hope. The whole roster believes in the prowess of their new guy under center. JD.

Not just Deebo Samuel, but the whole team’s in on Jayden Daniels

Laremy Tunsil didn’t hold back. “If they need me to play quarterback and back up Jayden Daniels, then I can do that—running back, whatever,” he joked. But make no mistake, his excitement is real. The man can’t wait to block for Daniels. And why wouldn’t he be? “He’s a baller,” Tunsil added. “He’ll make my job hella easy.” Safe to say, Tunsil’s all in. But he must know that this is not Houston anymore. The Texans sure did allow 54 sacks last season, but but Tunsil’s gotta walk the ‘easy’ talk.

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Let’s just say, if he does that. Then, JD’s job is going to be finding McLaurin or now Deebo Samuel. Woah!

The Commanders didn’t just trade for Deebo to give Jayden another weapon. They did it because they believe in Daniels. They believe so much that they’re loading up on protection and playmakers to make sure their young QB has everything he needs to succeed. And after his record-breaking rookie season, why wouldn’t they?

Daniels didn’t just win Offensive Rookie of the Year—he rewrote the record books. 3,568 passing yards. 25 touchdowns. 891 rushing yards. And let’s not forget: he took Washington to their first title game since 1991.

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Deebo’s arrival isn’t just about adding another dynamic weapon—it’s about balance. Terry McLaurin is one of the NFL’s premier deep threats, with 41 catches of 25+ yards since 2019 (third in the league, trailing only Tyreek Hill). Samuel, meanwhile, is a yards-after-catch monster, the kind of guy who turns short passes into long gains and broken ankles. Together? They give Daniels two elite options who can win in different ways. Defenses can’t just key in on McLaurin anymore. They have to deal with both.

So yeah, the Commanders made a statement this offseason. They’re not just rolling with Jayden Daniels. They’re building around him. Weapons? Check. Protection? Check. And with Daniels at the helm, Washington isn’t just hoping for a playoff run. They’re aiming for something bigger.

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  Debate

Debate

Is Deebo Samuel the missing piece for the Commanders, or just an expensive gamble for 2025?

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